Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary in Berkeley, NJ: $89,586 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dietitian and nutritionist in Berkeley, NJ earns a median $89,586/year (≈ $43.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1031). Once you factor in Berkeley's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $77,766 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected compensation for dietitians and nutritionists in Berkeley, New Jersey, reaches a notable median of $89,586. This figure reflects a significant increase from previous years and surpasses the national median of $79,380 by 12.86%. The salary range for professionals in this field in Berkeley is broad, spanning from $57,079 at the 10th percentile to $122,025 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from state-level BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living, highlight the opportunities available for those entering the profession, especially in light of the transition to a master's requirement post-2024. Berkeley's niche market, combined with its position in a region with a relatively high cost of living, suggests that dietitian and nutritionist roles might offer competitive salaries compared to other nearby areas.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,079 | $27.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,028 | $35.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,586 | $43.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,740 | $48.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,025 | $58.66 |
Median Salary Position
12.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berkeley
In Berkeley, NJ, the dietitian and nutritionist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,946 (2026 est.). At $89,586, the local median is 12.86% above the national median of $79,380.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Berkeley: You'd be above the median
How Berkeley Dietitian and Nutritionist Pay Compares
Berkeley median: $89,586/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Berkeley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $91,414 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $79,380 | +12.86% more |
Dietitian and Nutritionists in Berkeley, NJ earn a median of $89,586 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.86% higher than the national median of $79,380 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $91,414.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Berkeley has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Berkeley, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $89,586 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,766 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,148
2025 BLS Actual
$86,223
2026 Current Est.
$89,586
2019–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Dietitians and Nutritionists in Berkeley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.90% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,148 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,202 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,577 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,994 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,639 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,771 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,223 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,586 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,080 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Berkeley metropolitan area, the median dietitian and nutritionist salary grew 24.7% from $69,148 (2019) to $86,223 (2025). At a 3.90% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,080 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,932 (34.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.90% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $57,079 – $73,028 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,028 – $89,586 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,586 – $100,740 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,740 – $122,025 |
DN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dietitian and nutritionist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dietitian and Nutritionist Job Market in Berkeley
An analysis of the job market reveals that Berkeley employs seven dietitians and nutritionists, indicating a tightly-knit community where opportunities may be limited but focused. The cost-of-living index stands at 115.2, suggesting that while salaries are relatively high, purchasing power may be impacted by local living expenses. Employers in the area, such as hospital clinical nutrition departments and outpatient clinics, generally tend to offer higher salaries, especially for specialized positions (like diabetes or cardiology) compared to roles in public health or school systems. This pay disparity often arises from the varying demands and financial structures of these sectors. To maximize earning potential in Berkeley, dietitians could consider pursuing advanced certifications, engaging in cash-pay private practice, or seeking opportunities in corporate health programs, all of which are increasingly relevant in today's evolving nutrition landscape.
More salary data for Berkeley, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dietitians and nutritionists make in Berkeley, NJ in 2026?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $86,223 for dietitians and nutritionistsin the Berkeley metropolitan area. A 3.90% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Berkeley is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.90%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dietitian and nutritionists (SOC 29-1031).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov